Eat in or take out
Tim Durkin

For the longest time I thought Burlington, that posh place by the lake, was the Mecca of fish and chips restaraunts. There was one right cross the street from my house and one downtown that was only take out.

I had thought these institutions of eating had gone the way of drive-in-theatres until I came across Granny Bonn’s here in Waterloo.

Located at the corner of Lincoln and Weber (by the Beer Store), Granny Bonn’s is a hidden treasure well worth the search. It’s hardly a mystery to the residents of Waterloo though as faithful patrons have kept the place running, in the same location, for 19 years.

You can tell as soon as you walk into Bonn’s large eating area that it is the stuff of regular customers. There is room for a smoking and non-smoking section amongst the mariner decales. The massive Dr. Pepper clock is the ‘piece de la resistance’ though as far as decorations go. Some may say its outdated, I maintain that it couldn’t possibly be any different and stay the same place. It’s perfect.

You have to walk up to the counter for service and above the counter top rests the simple menu. You can get a cheeses-burger for $2.10 or a fishburger or even some clam chowder. But what you’ll come here for (again and again) is the fish and chips. The Wednesday special of two pieces, fries and coleslaw for $4.25 (usually $5.50), is easily the best bargain on the menu. These prices are surely in the price range for most students. If your’e looking to drop some serious money, you can get the seafood platter, (fish, scallops, shrimp, coleslaw and fries for $9.00), or the jumbo platter for $8.00.

Other meals include the scallop dinner, chicken burger, shrimp or battered mushrooms, all of which are moderately priced.

Speaking with manager Bonnie Bonn (she said I could joke about it), she says the food is fresh as fresh can be - the fish is cut daily and they make their own batter. Heck, they even shred their own coleslaw.

I had only had take-out service before this week, but even then the service had always been good. The best part about eating at places like Granny Bonn’s is while the pretentiousness is gone there is always charm and efficiency. I waited no more than five minutes for my lunch special and it was nice and hot. You get all the fiixngs too, malt vinegar, tartar sauce and real ketchup. I wish they made their own tartar sauce, but the packaged stuff is decent too. The fries, while frozen are very good.

Overall, I would suggest Granny Bonn’s to anyone who likes fish and chips. If there any food is anything like their staples, then it’s going to be good. Hours of operation are monday and Tuesday, 11-7 and Wednesday to Saturday 11-8.